Saint-Étienne braces for September as Jaber and Lamba miss start

AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE) must wait until at least September before midfielder Mahmoud Jaber and defender Chico Lamba are fit to play, meaning the club will begin its league campaign on Saturday at Sochaux without the crucial duo, while pre‑season training carries on.

Jaber is sidelined by an adductor tear, and Lamba suffers a fatigue fracture of the ankle; both injuries keep them from training with the squad.

Despite their absence, AS Saint-Étienne’s summer preparations persist, with pre‑season sessions proceeding as the two remain unavailable.

Le Peuple Vert each player has begun an individual rehabilitation programme, yet the medical staff do not expect either to be ready for match action before September.

Coach Cathro must assemble his eleven without the midfielder and defender during the opening weeks of the competition, a period the club deems crucial.

The club has stated it will not rush their return in September, preferring to avoid relapse and ready to extend personalised work if the medical team deems it necessary.

The next international break begins on 21 September and lasts three weeks, leaving uncertainty over whether Jaber and Lamba can feature before it or use the pause to finalise their recoveries.

Supporters have voiced frustration, particularly regarding Lamba, who arrived as the marquee summer‑2025 signing but has barely featured this season, limiting the options available to the technical staff.

In the meantime, Cathro and his staff must rely on the players fit for the season opener on Saturday at Sochaux, a point highlighted in a @FerveurVerte_ tweet dated 31 July 2026.